'True Blood' Stud Visits Sick Kids, Raises Money for Cancer Programs

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He may play fierce werewolf Alcide on True Blood, but in real life, Joe Manganiello is a warm-hearted guy.

The Pittsburgh native spent time with Children’s Hospital patients in his hometown on Tuesday, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

In addition to hanging out with the kids, the actor is also hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, with proceeds benefiting the cancer programs at the hospital. True Blood fans can pay to meet Manganiello and watch the show at Mixx nightclub.

It’s clear that Pittsburgh still has a special place in Manganiello’s heart. “I wanted to do something and try to give back to the community and be a presence, even though I live in Los Angeles,” he said.

And the kids are appreciative. Said one 14-year-old leukemia patient, “I think it’s actually pretty nice to see that a lot of stars would come out and get to meet some of the kids that have cancer, especially, because that will make their day.”

Catch Manganiello on the True Blood Season 4 finale this Sunday on HBO. For those of you craving more shirtless Manganiello, he also stars in the upcoming Magic Mike (with Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum) as a stripper named Big Dick Richie.